Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has called for the dismissal of impeachment proceedings against Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio, igniting discord within his inner circle. As tensions mount, three impeachment complaints have been filed against Duterte-Carpio, accusing her of making death threats against President Marcos Jnr and the alleged misuse of over 612.5 million pesos (US$10.5 million) in confidential funds. A fourth complaint is reportedly in the final stages of preparation.
In the Philippines, impeachment is a two-step process. Initially, one-third of lawmakers must endorse the impeachment to formally proceed, or a more prolonged process in the House can secure a majority vote. Once endorsed, the articles of impeachment are transmitted to the Senate for trial. According to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, the fourth complaint could gather sufficient support in the Lower House, potentially leading to Duterte-Carpio's impeachment.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin reiterated that President Marcos Jnr's stance on the impeachment remains unchanged. The president has dismissed the effort as an "unnecessary government distraction" and a "storm in a teacup." Despite this, allies of Marcos Jnr are becoming increasingly vocal, calling for Duterte-Carpio's removal from office.
The growing rift between President Marcos Jnr and Vice-President Duterte-Carpio is becoming more acrimonious as the impeachment proceedings unfold. While the president views the process as a distraction, some members of his circle see it as necessary action. If successful in the House, the impeachment will proceed to a Senate trial.
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